Preparatory News

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER’S DESK

Dear Parents and Guardians,

A warm welcome to the Trinity Term 2026. The term has, as is to be expected, had a busy start. The Senior Preparatory took part in pre-season training in the final week of the holidays; this will stand them in good stead as they begin the Netball and Football leagues. The rugby boys have also been hard at work preparing for the annual Penryn Tour and have already enjoyed an exciting weekend of 7s rugby at the Pridwin 7s tournament.

Camps are an invaluable part of the holistic programme which St Dunstan’s Preparatory provides. The Senior Preparatory children enjoyed the opportunity of attending camp in the first week of term. On camps children improve social skills and foster a love and appreciation for the outdoors while having a much-needed break from the screens which dominate our day. Additionally, they
develop self-confidence, perseverance and independence, all crucial skills which contribute to their success in school and life. Last Sunday we celebrated the Grade 4s’ First Holy Eucharist at the St Dunstan’s Cathedral. Forty children took part, accompanied by parents, grandparents and extended family. Thank you to Fr Jerome and the Grade 4 teachers for this memorable day.

The Junior Preparatory launched its reading room this week. This initiative will see each Grade 1 to 3 child given individual, focused reading time. Uniquely, children pick their own readers from a range of books matching their reading level. The excitement today, as children proudly selected their own books and read to volunteers, was palpable. Fostering a love for reading is a key focus area which will bear long-term benefits for all our children. My thanks to Mrs Taylor, Mrs Cresswell, the Junior Preparatory teachers and the dedicated volunteers who have made this initiative a reality.

Next week we celebrate St Dunstan’s Day, commemorating Saint Dunstan, our school’s patron saint. Saint Dunstan, in many respects, epitomises what we as a school strive for in holistic education. A remarkably multi-talented figure, his diverse abilities spanned the arts and sciences; he was a gifted musician and skilled harpist who composed numerous hymns, leading to the legend that his harp would play miraculous melodies while hanging on his wall. Beyond music, he was an expert craftsman, silversmith and painter who famously balanced his spiritual life with hours spent at his forge in Glastonbury Abbey. Later in life, Saint Dunstan transitioned into the role of a dedicated educator at the cathedral school in Canterbury, where he was remembered for his teaching methods and his rare commitment to protecting his students from the harsh disciplinary measures common in his era.

As we collectively get back into the swing of the busy St Dunstan’s schedule, I would encourage all children to avoid the temptation of procrastination by embracing their weekly responsibilities in the classroom, on the sports field and on the cultural front. In doing this, we continue the legacy of Saint Dunstan as we strive for excellence.

God bless,

Matthew Moolman